Gerald Eugene Osterbauer

Gerald Eugene Osterbauer, 90, of DeGraff, Minnesota, died on Friday evening, January 23, 2026, at his home near DeGraff. A Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 pm, followed by visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will continue on Thursday, January 29, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in DeGraff, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Burial will be in the St. Bridget’s Catholic Church Cemetery in DeGraff. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Gerald "Jerry" Eugene Osterbauer was born on Aug. 19, 1935, on a farm near Kerkhoven MN. The eldest son of Rudolph and Ellen Osterbauer. When he was about 4 years old, the family bought a farm near DeGraff. He was a lifelong member of St. Bridgets Catholic Church. He graduated from Murdock High school. On Aug 20, 1955, Jerry was united in marriage to Vivian Ann Mellgren at St. Bridgets. They made their home on a farm near DeGraff. Jerry farmed his entire life and was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1970. In 1974 he began working as a Pioneer Seed Corn Representative, where he was a top salesman for several years. He earned recognition for over 50 years of service with Pioneer Seeds.

Jerry was a member of the National Farmer's Organization. He was proud to be a member of St. Bridgets Catholic Church where he served the church faithfully as an Usher, Lector, and a member of the choir. He and his wife Vivian were awarded the Bishop's medal of service. He was active within the church helping with youth activities, remodeling the activity center, and rebuilding the church's rectory. He loved dancing, skiing, collecting antiques, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends. Jerry was an avid ball player. Playing baseball in his youth and playing church league softball until he was 65 years old. He adored traveling all over the world, in particular taking his family to National Parks and Disney World. He delighted working in his backhoe "trimming" trees and digging up rocks. The family built walls with the beautiful rocks he dug up. He relished spending time with his family in any capacity, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor, a mischievous spirit, a twinkle in his eye, and a big, booming infectious laugh. He was called from this life on Friday evening January 23rd surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald is survived by his children, Lauree (Gary) Gunderson of Sauk Rapids, Maree Slaughter of Benson, Tony (Janeen) Osterbauer of DeGraff, and Nancy (Barb Bedrosian) Osterbauer of Fredrica, Delaware; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Roxanne Nehring of Murdock; brother John Osterbauer of Minneapolis; numerous nieces and nephews and several other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Vivian, son Michael Osterbauer, parents Rudy and Ellen, siblings Bob and Janeen, special friend Vene McNellis, and son-in-law Steve Slaughter.